We were so excited for this week. It was one allowing us to contemplate what good things are happening in the mission and what needs our missionaries and we as the leaders have. Next week begins zone conferences and then interviews and a whole host of things that will keep us hopping. It's a fun time.
We did meet with our mission leadership council again. We have many new zone and sister training leaders so it was fun to spend a day with them. They know the missionaries, they know the things happening across the mission much more intimately than we do. We spoke to them about sanctification and consecration, things we heard the missionaries say the mission needs. We also talked a lot about how we can all be better teachers. We had a great day with them. You can be proud of them if any of your family is represented in this group. It is a group made up of young men and young women from the US, Korea, Philippines, Hong Kong. We've said many times we love them and treat them like our own children. You'll notice that if they act up, occasionally, Sister Turner has to get their attention...
At the same time, we usually let them relax just a little and let their true selves show... They are lots and lots of fun!
Sometimes Sister Turner and I just get too caught up in the administrivia of what needs to be accomplished in the mission and don't get out with them enough doing the work side by side. One of the zones scheduled an activity to work in the vicinity of a new church building. We all came together and divided up in companionships and walked the streets introducing ourselves and noting the location of the new building and inviting people to come visit and get to know the missionaries and the members. We started with a meal together...
We divided up randomly (no mixing young men and young women!) and off we went. The one little cut out near the front is a great way to get people to stop and have their picture taken with the missionaries.
When we finished up a few hours later, we all came together for a commemorative photo...
It was a fun evening. We have two more planned for next week after zone conferences. Look forward to next week's blog. Some of the activities will be a bit unique!
We spent a lot of time indoors, but Sister Turner got out with a few missionaries living near us and went to a large open market, Moran market. She didn't get too many pictures, but she got a few with some dried fish... (the things on the yellow ribbons in the back...)
Our own children will remember the value of mom's big wooden spoon as they were growing up. It had more intimidation factor than dad did! The missionaries will know not to mess with the boss (Sister Turner).
We were blessed with a visit with a few of our former missionaries this week. One sister had been in Canada for several months and we thought she'd only be here a few weeks and invited her to come. It turns out she is back to attend college and we'll be able to see more of her. She brought two friends who also served with us and brought back marvelous memories. We can't get enough time with them, but know they have very busy lives and we're excited to see them continue to mature and grow in their lives!
President Turner didn't get out as much this week, but one day while having a morning jog, passed this lovely little picture. So often the grandparents watch the young ones while mom and dad work or just sleep. This was about 8:00 AM one morning. It generated a happy smile.
With the three big zone conferences coming up this week and being with all the missionaries, we hope to have many great pictures next week. Until then, know we're having fun and working hard with these wonderful missionaries and the wonderful people of Korea. Our hearts and prayers are with those being affected by the many hurricanes and their aftermath, the earthquakes and fall out as well as the many wildfires in the west. We think of you and your loved ones, you are in our prayers. God bless you all with joy and happiness in your lives.
